From garden campouts to helping your local wildlife, find easy and fun nature-inspired activities to keep adults and children of all ages entertained over the Easter holidays.
When is Easter in 2023?
This year Good Friday is on 7th April and Easter Sunday is on 9th April.
Why does the date of Easter change each year?
The date of Easter changes as a result of the lunar calendar. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the full moon in the period from 22 March to 25 April, and always after the March Spring Equinox.
This is the time of year when the sun shines directly on the equator, making night and day nearly equal all over the world. Ecclesiastically fixed on 21st March, the Spring Equinox heralds the beginning of the new season, even though our Gregorian calendars date spring from the beginning of March.
Why do we celebrate Easter Sunday?
The Spring Equinox has traditionally been celebrated as a time of rebirth or renewal, hence why in Christianity, Easter Sunday represents the resurrection of Christ.
When were Easter eggs first invented?
The exquisite Fabergé eggs were invented in 1885 as Easter gifts for the Russian royal family to give to family and friends.
In early 1880s in parts of Germany, eggs were used as birth certificates. They were dyed, inscribed and decorated and could even be used as proof of identity in court.
Where does the name 'Easter' come from?
The name Easter is thought to come from the German goddess Eostre, whose name derives from Proto-Germanic meaning ‘dawn’.
What is the meaning of hot cross buns?
As part of a Good Friday tradition, the English would hang a hot cross bun in the house for an entire year to protect the kitchen from fire and ensure perfect bread. In the Christian faith, the eating of a hot cross bun signals the end of Lent and the cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus.
Make homemade hot cross buns with this recipe
Fun family activities to enjoy this Easter
Go camping, no really!
With the right gear, it is perfectly possible to enjoy camping in April – or at least pitch your tent in the garden for children to play in. We've reviewed a selection of sleeping bags and family tents to give you ideas.
Help your local wildlife
Spring is a time of activity for garden wildlife and there are many ways to get involved.
Make a log bird feeder to encourage more birds to your garden, or a bug hotel or even or make a micro-nature reserve with these instructions from the Wildlife Trusts.
For more great nature-themed ideas, including insect identification guides, instructions for building a mini pond, see our easy daily activities for children to do at home.
Build a hedgehog house
Build a hedgehog house of your own to encourage them into your garden. Alternatively, if you're short of time, we've gathered a selection of hedgehog houses you can buy.
Go on an Easter egg hunt
Even if you haven’t manage to track down a chocolate Easter egg, there’s nothing stopping your little ones enjoying an Easter hunt in the garden if you have some normal eggs that you can blow and then decorate.
Just make sure you save the precious insides for something delicious, such as this asparagus and sweet potato hash with smashed avocado and egg recipe.
Eggs shells can also be used as a handy container for sewing seeds.
Press flowers - or paint with them!
You don’t need a flower press to preserve flowers. A couple of heavy books will do the trick! Lay the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper - coffee filters and newspaper both work well - and then insert between the pages of the book and lay some more on top.
For more details, see this flower pressing tutorial or learn how to print with flowers instead.
Sow salad and vegetable seeds for summer
Whether you’ve got several acres, or a window box, now is a good time to sow some seeds. Salad seeds grow very easily and likes a shady spot, or you can get more ambitious, with tomatoes and courgettes - both will also grow well indoors in a sunny spot with plenty of ventilation.
Compost has been in short supply recently, but you can re-use old compost, topped up with plant food for hungrier crops. Sieve it first to take out old roots, weeds and any unwanted beasties.
Delicious Easter recipes
Easter biscuits
Sweet, crumbly and heavenly light, these moreish macaroons are easy to bake for an Easter gathering.
Meringue filled with lemon curd and whipped cream
The meringue's crunchiness is mixed with the zest of lemon and is finished with the topping of whipped cream, creating a mouth watering taste that should not be missed.
Easter decoration ideas
Easter Tree table decoration
An Easter Tree is a wonderful addition to your home this spring. Hang colourful painted eggs from branches on your kitchen table.
Decorated eggs
Use natural dyes and materials to make Easter Eggs with a difference.
